Concern for quiet White Haven neighborhood

My name is Tom Hutchins, whose family you mentioned in the recent article about the zoning issue in White Haven. I was present at the borough meeting discussing the occupancy permit for the usage of the townhouse in question.

My wife, Regan, and I live connected to the unit. My family does not have any issue with the mentally challenged and I find it an assault on my morals and character that it would ever be presented as such.

I am a part-time drum teacher who has a handicapped student who I think is wonderful. I have three children, one aged 17 months and twins who are six months, and they are being raised with tolerance and compassion for those less fortunate.

The dealings of the developer who sold the units have been dishonest and shady, to say the least, and the developer would not hesitate to make any sale to make a buck, regardless of required permits or zoning laws.

Their permit supposedly states (I can't say for sure because it isn't posted, which is required by law) that it will have mentally challenged individuals living there. Then why are there security measures taking place, such as cameras and many employees? I can't even, per my signed covenant, put a fence on my property.

The individuals being placed in the unit will eventually be criminals, drug dealers and thieves. It didn't work for MinSec in Hazleton and it will work even less here.

I am for rehabilitation for people such as that and believe they deserve a second chance to be integrated into society, however not in my housing development next to my small children and the children of my neighbors, which borders property with the White Haven Center.

Just because they have a permit to do one thing, doesn't mean they aren't actually doing another. The permit is just a piece of paper to them, which allows them to shuffle people in and out as they please.

My wife and I moved away from Hazleton during her first pregnancy to have our children grow up in a place without crime on every corner. I want my kids in five or six years to ask if they can go outside and play, and I desperately want to say yes.

Tom Hutchins,

White Haven

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